The "Mandate of Heaven" is an ancient Chinese philosophical concept that justifies the rule of a dynasty. It suggests that heaven grants emperors the right to govern based on their ability to maintain order and harmony. If a ruler becomes corrupt or fails to fulfill their duties, it is believed that they lose this mandate, leading to their downfall and the rise of a new leader. This idea was crucial in the Zhou Dynasty, which first articulated it, and it influenced many subsequent dynasties in China. The concept helped to explain the rise and fall of rulers and provided a moral framework for governance, emphasizing the importance of virtuous leadership.